"I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."
~ Jack London

Bookworm Challenge 2016

1.) "Pleasures of the Damned" by Charles Bukowski
2.) "Batman and Psychology" by Travis Langley
3.) "Glory O'Brien's History of the Future" by A.S. King
4.) "The Best of Batman: 50th Anniversary in Film and Television"
5.) "Tough Sh*t: Life Advice From a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good" by Kevin Smith
6.) "Lady Midnight" by Cassandra Clare
7.) "The Killing Joke" Alan Moore
8.) "The Merciless II" by Danielle Vega
9.) All Star Batman #1, #2, #3
10.) "Batman: Year One" Frank Miller
11.) "Rebirth: Batman" & "DC Universe Rebirth: Batman"

Less that two weeks until my health, my friends, and my passions take priority again.

Less than two weeks until I’m writing books, working on photo shoots, doing new artwork.

Less than two weeks until days that I can relax if I don’t feel well and catch up on my DVR.

Less than two weeks until I can take up old hobbies again, like when I used to be an amateur magician. I know that sounds a little weird, but hey – I miss it.

Less than two weeks until I can figure out what I want to do for college.

If you want to summarize all that: Two weeks until I have my life back.

“Something has changed within me Something is not the same I’m through with playing by The rules of someone else’s game Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep It’s time to trust my instincts Close my eyes And leap”

Am I scared? Of course I am. Not having steady income is terrifying. But I’m driven by something that scares me even more – giving up on my dreams. I’ve been pushing everything that was important to me to the backburner for far too long, and I was growing comfortable with the idea of settling into a normal life. Not because it was what I wanted, but rather because it was what seemed easier. Maybe everyone is right, I would think. Maybe it’s time to grow up and accept that this dream will stay just that – a dream. And that isn’t like me. That SCARES me. If I want something, I go after it. It’s that simple.

But, I’ve got my manuscript revision finished and ready for Beta Readers and the final round(s) of editing to make it all polished and shiny. I’m booking shoots like you wouldn’t believe: some paying work, some portfolio updates, and some for designers. Not to mention finally getting back to my artwork properly, and having time for my friends again.

It also royally sucks that the coworkers I do like won’t be around every day. I know we can still get together and see each other if we want to, but it’s going to be weird not seeing each other every day like we do now. But I couldn’t stay forever, so this was bound to happen.

But at least, in the world of my art stuff, this happened:

Camren Bicondova, the talented gal that plays a young Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman) in the Fox TV series Gotham, LIKED THIS PHOTO OF HER I DID! I know, in the grand scheme of things, this can’t go on a resume or really much of anything. But HOLY FANGIRL MOMENT, BATMAN! SHE LIKED IT!

“Little Red” – aka Skylar Wendell – is much more than just a pretty face. She’s still in the early stages of her modeling career, but with nearly five years of experience under her belt, she’s off to a decent start. Now she’s been a model for several designers – in fashion shows and online, as well as being featured on a flyer for Women in Horror Month 2011 – which debuted both online and in print. She even has her very first magazine appearance coming up.

Little Red is incredibly talented for her age, and definitely an on-the-rise model. She can pull off any look – from something sweet and dainty, to something alternative and edgy, to retro pin-up, and our favorite – drop dead gore-geous horror model. And while becoming a model had always been an aspiration of hers, she’d never really thought much about seriously doing it – until her friend, and aspiring photographer as well at the time, needed a model and requested Little Red’s help.

Now, I’ve moved on to some bigger and better shoots, and worked with some pretty talented people from all over, but some favorite pictures have always been delivered by Little Red. People love that she offers something new and different, but still incredibly beautiful at the same time.

Now… How did she end up settling on the modeling name, “Little Red”?

Back in May 2011, we did a shoot with the stunning Daisy Von Doom, in which the girls modeled together at some kick-ass locations. Skylar was wearing an insanely awesome ring leader costume, which was bright red, as well as rocking some red striped tights and red makeup. Her nicknames on set for the day involved many variations using “red” as a theme, but “Little Red” reoccured a few times. After the pictures hit the internet, people began calling her Little Red. She liked the name and let it stick to her.

So, what’s next for Little Red?

With lots of changes going on in her real life, shooting has been a little slow lately, but that will pick up again soon enough. Not only has she become a main model for Way 52 and for jewelry designer Atlantis Found Jewelry, she’s working on some new projects to expand her modeling reach even further and combine it with other passions. So she’s definitely a woman to keep an eye out for!

Still suffering the Mysterious Sickness of Doom (currently running a lovely temp of 101.6 – go me!). But I went back to the Day Job today, did my work super fast, and have since clocked out and am now trying to rest myself into feeling better. Which probably means I shouldn’t be sifting through agents I could possibly query about the work-in-progress, seeing as that causes a headache in my poor already-aching head. So, I’m trying to distract myself in other, somewhat productive ways, but somehow I end up on Twitter or Facebook or being amused by this website.

Books:

So, how about I share a little something I’m excited about? The upcoming release of the fabulous Jackie Morse Kessler’s new book, LOSS:

The next book of the Riders of the Apocalypse series, and I’m soooooo excited about it. I love those books, and proceeds from each book gets donated to a great cause. Jackie is amazing, and you should definitely check out her work!

Photography:

The last I had posted about myself shooting, it was SUPPOSED to be with Little Red, but my schedule and her schedule ended up getting all messed up, so it didn’t happen. BUT I did end up shooting with the fab Alesha Mahurin for an awesome-tastic start of a new project for us, called Saving Grace for now (blame the Everlast song). Here’s a a peak:

Alesha has been on this kick about me doing a series of hardships, so I started it out by making her a hobo. She’s a hobo with some pretty clean pants oddly, but whatever. Wasn’t a bad shoot and really didn’t take too long. Go us!

Looking forward to getting better so I can shoot some more. I miss getting all creative and artsy with it, like SERIOUSLY crazy ideas. Someday I’ll get all better from this Mysterious Sickness of Doom and have some seriously kick-ass photos to share, hopefully not as sad as hobos (even the pretty kind.)